Travel Stories & Guides for Expats | American Expat Diaries

Author at Rock of Gibraltor, Spain, sitting and looking at two monkeys

Hi, I’m Sarah – the American Expat

An American Expat, currently living in Belgium. A world traveler and adventure enthusiast. When I’m not traveling, I love hosting experiences for others. This site serves as a place where I can post my travel guides and also a landing page for the guests of my condo rentals. If you are a condo guest, be sure to check out my Guide to Lake Conroe to find the perfect travel guide for YOUR great adventure!

Life as an American Expat

Many people dream of a life abroad. A life that is far from ordinary, the thrill of being in a new place with an unknown language, culture, foods — you name it. However, those who have dared to live this life will agree that it is not always easy.

I had my first expat experience when I moved to Spain in 2015. Those two years were eye-opening for me as I learned the ins and out of Spanish culture, dealt with the day to day challenges of acclimating to a new place, all with the added curveball of a language and cultural barrier. There are many challenges that expats face whether it be navigated visa requirements, finding a new car insurance, health insurance, learning a new language, feeling isolated or misunderstood by the people around you, the struggle of finding friends in a new place, the list goes on.

Don’t get me wrong, the expat life is exciting and wonderful. It opens you up to meeting fantastic people and getting to experience a new way of life. Now that I am getting settled in my second international country, Belgium, I am facing all the same challenges of starting over with a new life in a new country.

It is for these reasons that I have created this blog — a diary for international expats. Here you will find resources for navigating government regulations, stories from expats around the world and international travel guides.